Stillwater Officials Worry About Hunting Along Bike Trail

Updated: 09/18/2013 3:32 PM KSTP.com
By: Jay Kolls

The DNR purchased the old rail line for the Zephyr train and portions of it can be used legally, for hunting. Parts of the trail, which is now used for biking and hiking, run through Stillwater Township.

Stillwater Mayor, Ken Harycki, tells 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS he asked the DNR if hunting along the trail was legal. He says the DNR told him it is legal in areas where the trail runs through township property. Mayor Harycki says he decided to ask about the issue when he saw a deer stand go up near the trail on its North end near Highway 96.

Right now it is turkey season and hunters are allowed to use guns on township portions of the trail. There are homes and a golf course along the trail and Mayor Harycki says things need to change before something "bad happens." Mayor Harycki tells 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS he, and other City officials, have asked the DNR to approve annexation of the township land into the City of Stillwater. Once the annexation is approved hunting would not be allowed on that part of the trail because it would be inside city limits.